by Jeff Ihnen | May 26, 2026 | Energy Rant
This week, we wrap up thermal integration in industrial processes. Thermal integration, also known as pinch analysis, is similar to / same as maximizing exergy recovery. Let’s start by defining these two concepts with the help of Chat. Pinch analysis is a method...
by Jeff Ihnen | May 19, 2026 | Energy Rant
This week, we roll on to number eight on the top ten list of industrial efficiency measures: waste heat recovery. I already covered some waste-heat recovery technologies and approaches in process heating; specifically, boiler stack gas economizers. Waste Heat Power...
by Stan Nabozny | May 13, 2026 | The Decarbonized Cold Chain
If you’ve ever tried to build the business case for a cold-storage upgrade, you’ve heard the sacred question: “Sounds great… how many kWh does it save?” The problem is, your utility doesn’t bill you for average behavior; it bills you for your worst 15 minutes....
by Jake Millette | May 12, 2026 | The Big Why
The recent sharp increase in the cost of gasoline and electricity affects us every day. Because of this, it is more important than ever to seek out the most efficient technologies. But doing so is not always simple because efficiency is often measured in confusing or...
by Jeff Ihnen | May 12, 2026 | Energy Rant
In this week’s post on industrial efficiency, we are finishing out measure family number seven: process heating. Last week, we covered low and medium-temperature process heating, from heat pumps to natural gas boilers. This week, we’re rounding it out with...
by Jeff Ihnen | May 5, 2026 | Energy Rant
Moving on with our top ten list of industrial energy efficiency and load management categories, this week we are tackling process heating – #7 on the list. Note that these are ranked by typical adoption, with the most sophisticated operators deep into this list....
by Jeff Ihnen | Apr 28, 2026 | Energy Rant
Quirky nerd alert: fans and pumps are the lungs and heart of industrial facilities. They move air, oxygen, heat, particulates, as well as cool systems and equipment. However, unlike mammals, the lungs and hearts of industrial systems and facilities do not evolve to...
by Jeff Ihnen | Apr 21, 2026 | Energy Rant
Last week, I dived into the characteristics and selection factors of air compressors, focusing on full-load and part-load efficiencies. This week, I will round out my assessment of savings opportunities for compressed air systems. First, I will define a couple of...
by Jeff Ihnen | Apr 15, 2026 | Energy Rant
After taking a detour from industrial efficiency in posts one and two to evaluate electricity prices and the blame game hung around data centers like the scarlet letter, we’re moving on to the top ten list of industrial energy efficiency targets. For reference, the...
by Stan Nabozny | Apr 15, 2026 | The Decarbonized Cold Chain
Summer doesn’t break your refrigeration system—it exposes it. When temperatures rise, everything works harder, longer, and often all at once. The result isn’t just higher energy use. It’s a few short demand spikes that quietly determine your electric bill for the...
